LOUGHBOROUGH University’s Beth Langston insists she is out to prove she hasn’t missed a beat as she looks to announce herself back with a bang out in Dubai with the England Women’s Academy cricket team.

Langston is no stranger to the international stage, playing for the senior England team in two T20 defeats against the West Indies back in October 2013.

However, that was her last international appearance as she suffered a stress fracture in her back, the 22-year-old only just returning to full fitness.

However, that hasn’t stopped England Women’s Academy head coach Lisa Keightly from naming Langston in her 14-strong squad to tackle Australia.

The teams will play four 50-over matches and two Twenty20s out in Dubai in a tour that will serve as a preamble to this summer’s Ashes series – with Langston looking to prove she is still at the top of her game.

“Making my debut for England was fantastic because it’s the pinnacle of what you want to achieve in your sport,” she said.

“Since then I’ve been injured and had a stress fracture in my back which was really frustrating and quite hard to come through because it’s frustrating when you just have to watch everyone else.

“But I was still around the squad and that made it a lot easier for me because I was out for a while and this tour to Dubai will be the first competitive cricket I have played since then.

“I haven’t played at all so I’m being thrown in the deep end a little but I feel fit and healthy and ready to go.

“I’m really looking forward to it and can’t wait to test myself against good opposition again.”

England Women’s Academy team will be playing for much more than just victories in Dubai with the senior side set to take on Australia in the Women’s Ashes this summer – a fact not lost on Langston.

“It’s a good chance to get some match practice after not playing for so long and just getting back on the field so I hope to put in some good performances for the Ashes in the summer,” she added.

“The experience in Barbados was really great and it’s always good to test your skills against top level opposition so it’s just great to have that chance again.

“It would be amazing to be picked for a home Ashes and an opportunity to get my foot in the door and stake a claim.”

Follow the England Women’s Academy tour against the Australian Women’s Shooting Stars at www.ecb.co.uk England will take on Australia on home soil in the Women’s Ashes this summer – for further information and ticket details, please visit www.ecb.co.uk